Splash.
I glanced around at the faint sound of rippling water.
Splash⦠splashâ¦.
I could hear it, yet the surface seemed undisturbed.
The ink-black space allowed me to see only a step aheadâeverything beyond was swallowed in darkness.
Where was this place? What was happening outside?
The questions lingered briefly, but I didnât dwell on them.
I had learned long agoâthere was no point in overthinking situations like this.
Just focus on whatâs right in front of you.
With that thought, I locked eyes with the old man.
âWow.â
What a nasty-looking face.
That was my first impression.
White robes embroidered with plum blossoms on the chestâ
A tall old man sitting cross-legged, resting his chin on his hand.
His crimson eyes stood out as he looked down at me.
Thump.
My heart pounded.
Thump.
Thump.
Not out of fear or emotion.
It was Qi.
The trace of Noyaâs energy inside me resonated with this man.
Which meantâ
âIs he Noya?â
Was this old man the Shin Noya I knew?
I stared at him, filled with doubt.
[What a strange occurrence.]
The old man spoke first, his voice tinged with curiosity.
[Who are you, boy? And why do you have that?]
He mustâve sensed the trace of Shin Noyaâs energy within me.
His confusion was plain to see.
[Who are you?]
Who am I?
I smirked at the question.
âThatâs what Iâd like to ask you.â
He spoke in Noyaâs voice, carrying Noyaâs energy.
Everything pointed to this man being Shin Noya.
And yetâ
âWhat are you?â